File Photo: A soldier from the U.S.Navy walks on board of the USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19), the command flagship of United States Seventh Fleet in Manila, the Philippines, March 18, 2014. (Xinhua/Rouelle Umali)

WASHINGTON, Nov. 22 (Xinhua) -- A U.S. Navy aircraft with 11 people on board has crashed into the ocean near Okinawa, Japan, the U.S. Navy said Wednesday.

"A United States Navy aircraft carrying 11 crew and passengers crashed into the ocean southeast of Okinawa at approximately 2:45 p.m. today," the U.S. Seventh Fleet said in a statement issued on behalf of its commander.

The aircraft was en route to the U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan, which is currently operating in the Philippine Sea.

The cause of the crash is not known yet. The USS Ronald Reagan has began search and rescue operations.

The next of kin of those on board are being notified, the statement said.

The crash adds to the series of mishaps suffered by the seventh fleet this year, including multiple fatal ship collisions.

A recent U.S. government report said the fleet is operating beyond its capacity and its service members lack sufficient training and rest.